Why zebras have their stripes: The mystery has finally been solved

After centuries of intrigue, scientists believe they’ve finally cracked it. Zebras are one of the most beautiful and striking creatures in the animal kingdom. But while their stripes are much admired the reasons behind them have, until recently, remained a mystery.

Over the years many theories have been put forward, from camouflage to a mechanism for heat management.

However a team of scientists from California, which published its findings in the online journal Nature Communications, believe the answer has finally been found.

It seems the zebras distinctive black and white stripes help them fend off attacks from biting flies such as tsetse and horseflies, by disrupting their vision and making it harder for them to land.

Tim Caro, lead author of the study said; ‘I was amazed by our results. Again and again, there was greater striping on areas of the body in those parts of the world where there was more annoyance from biting flies.’